Changing Lives
An overview of the Guide Dogs charity
2015 – 2016
Contents
Building extraordinary partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
How we support people with sight loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
Our amazing guide dogs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6-7
My Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Our work with children and young people . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11
Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13
Investing in technologies of the future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15
Getting involved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-23
Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-18
Volunteering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-21
Campaigning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23
Working with us. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25
How we spend our money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
The difference your money makes
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27
Friends of Guide Dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Fact
There are almost two million people in the UK living with sight loss.
By 2050, there could be nearly four million.
2
Building extraordinary partnerships
Guide Dogs is one of the
UK’s best known and best
loved charities. It is listed in
the top 20 of the Charity
Brand Index recognising
our relevance and
trustworthiness. Since our
first guide dog partnerships
were formed in 1931, we
have transformed the lives
of thousands of people with
sight loss, helping them to
get out of their homes and
to live independent lives.
More than 80 years later, our
work is even more relevant.
Today, there are almost
two million people in the UK
living with sight loss and by
2050 this figure could have
doubled.
We have developed an
ambitious strategy called
Building Extraordinary
Partnerships, which is
designed to help us provide
people who are blind or
partially sighted with the
services they need to help
them enjoy freedom and
independence.
The support we offer
Our world-class guide
dogs are at the heart of
the charity. A partnership
with a guide dog offers a
unique way for people with
sight loss to live life as they
choose. Currently, we have
more than 4,900 active
guide dog partnerships in
the UK.
Guide dogs give freedom
and independence to
many people with sight loss
but others require different
support and help. We
continue to invest in and
develop other services to
meet the differing needs
of our customers in ways
3
that best suit them. Our
innovative service My
Guide, for example, trains
volunteers to assist people
with sight loss by guiding
them to shops, community
events or other activities.
We have placed increased
emphasis on reaching out
to children and young
people. With Blind Children
UK, who became part of
the Guide Dogs family in
2013, we have more than
50 years’ experience of
working with young people.
We have combined our
knowledge and expertise
to offer a range of different
support, and together we
enable many more children
with sight loss to develop
their potential.
Campaigning to change
the law
Our highly successful
campaigning work helps
to break down barriers that
prevent people with sight
loss from participating in society and our campaigns
reflect the issues that are important to them. We
campaign to ensure that guide dogs and their
owners are kept safe from attack by other dogs; that
audio-visual announcements on all new buses are
compulsory; that our streets are accessible including
prohibiting pavement parking; and that quiet
electric and hybrid vehicles are audibly detectable.
Working with others
We are not alone in our ambition to bring about
change. We are working closely with a wide range of
other sight loss organisations to deliver the UK Vision
Strategy which aims to create a society in which
people with sight loss can participate fully. We also
develop strong partnerships in the commercial sector.
Our recent collaborative work with Microsoft saw the
launch of an audio-based technology prototype that
will enable people with sight loss to make safe, enjoyable
journeys across our towns and cities.
Our people
We are fortunate in having more than 14,000 volunteers
who generously give their time in so many different ways.
They make a vital contribution to our work and help us
to reach out to an ever-increasing number of people
with sight loss. I am indebted to them for their support.
Guide Dogs is an organisation made up of exceptional
people and our many achievements cannot happen
without their hard work and commitment. I am immensely
proud of all our achievements and the difference we are
making to the lives of so many people with sight loss.
Richard Leaman
Chief Executive
Fact
Every hour, another person in the UK goes blind. When someone loses their sight,
we’re here to make sure they don’t lose their freedom as well.
5
How we support people with sight loss
Our amazing guide dogs
A partnership with a guide dog offers
a unique way for people with sight loss
to enjoy freedom and independence
and we’re committed to providing this
opportunity to as many people as possible.
There’s no upper age limit to being
matched with a guide dog. People in
their seventies, eighties and nineties have
become successful guide dog owners.
We’ve also removed the lower age limit
and we’re now working with children
and young people under the age of
16. In 2014, an eleven-year-old became
our youngest ever guide dog owner.
You don’t need to have lost all your sight
to own a guide dog; most guide dog
owners still have some vision. And you
don’t have to be officially registered
as blind or partially sighted either.
Did you know?
• Guide Dogs is the
largest breeder and
trainer of working
dogs in the world. In
2014, we delivered
1,490 puppies.
• We created 847
new guide dog
partnerships. By the
end of 2014, there
were 4,948 active
partnerships in place.
• It costs around £48
million to run the
guide dog service.
• It costs around
£50,000 to support
a guide dog from
birth to retirement.
Fact
The guide dog service receives no government funding. We rely on donations
from individuals to continue our life-changing work.
6
Susan’s story
Going out for
the first time with
guide dog Toby,
Susan says of the
experience: “I felt
so confident and
proud – absolutely
amazing!”
At the age of 32, Susan suffered
a brain haemorrhage while
on holiday with her husband
Jamie and daughter Anya. The
haemorrhage caused permanent
sight loss and in 2014 Susan was
finally registered blind. Taking
Anya to school became a stressful
and daunting daily challenge.
Crossing roads was frightening
as she couldn’t judge traffic
speed, so eventually Susan
trained with a long cane.
Although this helped, it didn’t give
Susan the independence she
craved, so she decided to enquire
about having a guide dog.
After successfully completing her
assessments, Susan was placed on
the waiting list. It was only a few
months before she received the
phone call to say that Toby, a yellow
Labrador, was a possible match.
Taking Anya to school was no
longer an uphill struggle and
life became ‘normal’ again.
Susan and guide dog Toby with daughter Anya
Toby is her best friend and he
has completely changed her
life and that of her family too.
How we support people with sight loss
My Guide, our sighted guiding service
Our My Guide service trains volunteers to use sighted guiding techniques to help people
with sight loss get out of their homes and back into the community.
Emma’s story
“When I suddenly lost my sight in 2012,
my confidence took a huge knock. I
was unable to use public transport, or
go very far from my home on my own.
I can now arrange to meet friends
in town or go to the shops without
relying on family taking me.
We then started finding places to
walk to from home which gives me
independence. It also gives me the
freedom to go out walking, which is
something I used to enjoy. This will also
be good for when I get my guide dog.
I decided to apply for a guide dog to
help regain my confidence and live
more independently. While waiting for a
guide dog, I was told about My Guide.
I contacted the team and arranged
a home meeting to discuss what a
My Guide volunteer would be able to
do for me. Once they knew what my
interests and hobbies were, they were
able to match me successfully with a
volunteer with the same interests.
We are now making plans to take up
tandem riding which I never would have
been able to attempt without My Guide.
My Guide has changed my life so
much for the better, and I would
recommend it to anyone. To provide
a much-needed service to people
like me, the charity Guide Dogs needs
people who can give a few hours a
week to volunteer. Giving a couple of
hours a week to My Guide really does
change lives for people with sight loss.”
I was matched with Geoff and I haven’t
looked back. We started using public
transport to go into Durham until I
became confident enough to do it on
my own.
8
“My Guide has
changed my life
so much for the
better, and I would
recommend it
to anyone.”
Did you know?
During 2014, 863 new My Guide
partnerships started.
6,474 people completed My Guide level
1 training. We estimate these people
and those we have trained in previous
years, used their skills more than 33,000
times to help people with sight loss.
855 people completed Level 2 training,
qualifying them to support someone
as part of a My Guide partnership.
We trained 164 people as My Guide
practitioners, enabling them to provide
My Guide training to other volunteers.
Emma and My Guide Geoff
Fact
More than 70% of people who are blind or partially sighted lack confidence to join in
everyday activities.
9
How we support people with sight loss
Our work with children and young people
Guide dogs are not only for adults. We also
partner young people under the age of 16
with guide dogs, and in 2014, an elevenyear-old became our youngest ever guide
dog owner.
A guide dog – although not suitable
for every young person with sight loss –
can enable them to travel safely and
independently and help them feel more
confident and socially included.
By contributing to a young person’s
sensory and physical development, buddy
dogs help to improve a young person’s
confidence and self-esteem. They also
help children overcome the isolation and
depression that often come with sight loss.
Buddy dogs also give children the
opportunity to experience the responsibility
of caring for a dog which can help us assess
if a guide dog could help them in the future.
Buddy dogs
We also provide buddy dogs to children
and young people. Buddy dogs start their
training to become guide dogs but for
various reasons are withdrawn from the
training programme. They can nevertheless
play an important role in improving the
quality of life of young people with sight loss.
In 2015, we celebrated our
100th buddy dog partnership
Fact
Four children lose their sight each day in the UK. The number of children being
registered blind or partially sighted has increased by 9% since 2006.
10
Did you know?
• Blind Children UK became
part of the Guide
Dogs family in 2013.
“I am much more
independent now
that I have George,
especially when going
to and from school.”
Liam with guide dog George
• Between us we have more
than 50 years’ experience
of working with children and
young people with sight loss.
• We have combined our
knowledge and expertise
to offer a range of different
support services.
• Movement Matters is a
habilitation service that
offers support and advice
about orientation, mobility
and independence. Guide
Dogs previously provided this
service. Now it is delivered
by Blind Children UK and
Guide Dogs provides an
annual grant to go towards
developing it further.
• For more information about
Blind Children UK, please visit
www.blindchildrenuk.org
How we support people with sight loss
“Funding from Guide Dogs helped us run the UK’s first
major clinical trial looking at the emotional impact of
sight loss and what we can do about it. It was quite a
shock to discover that such a high proportion of people
were depressed and that so few were receiving help
for their problems. The results of this important research
study will help us better support people in the future.”
Dr Tom Margrain, Cardiff University
12
Research
Guide Dogs funds important research programmes that help provide sound evidence
on which to base our working practices, policies and campaigns. This ensures that the
services and support we provide are appropriate to the needs of people with sight loss.
We recently funded research, undertaken by Cardiff University, to help us understand the
emotional impact of sight loss.
The research found that 43% of people accessing rehabilitation services for their sight
loss in the UK had significant depressive symptoms. Of these, 75% were not receiving any
treatment for their condition. We are now working with Cardiff University to ensure that we
provide the services required to support people with sight loss and depression.
Our research programme covers four key areas:
Canine research:
Our canine research helps improve the
quality of our breeding programme which
in turn improves the effectiveness of our
guide dogs throughout their working lives.
Technology research:
Working in partnership with technology
providers, we fund research into
providing technology-enabled
solutions for people with sight loss to
help them lead independent lives.
Psycho-social research:
Our psycho-social research identifies
social and environmental issues faced
by people with sight loss. This helps us to
provide information, emotional support
and a range of services tailored to their
needs, to help them leave their homes
and move around independently.
Ophthalmic research:
Our ophthalmic research investigates ways
that people can use their residual vision to
help them move around independently.
Fact
Sight loss isolates people but our support gives them back their freedom and choice.
13
Investing in technologies of the future
Exploring cities through sound
We are working with Microsoft to explore
ways to make it easier for people with sight
loss to explore our towns and cities. In 2014,
we demonstrated a new application of
Microsoft directional audio, which takes
the form of a smart headset paired with a
Windows Phone handset. We are continuing
to work with Microsoft to develop the
concept and to explore how technology
could unlock our cities for everyone.
The 2014 research trials were based on a
complex journey which involved a walk
to a bus stop in Reading, a bus journey
into town, navigating to and around
Reading station, catching a train to
Paddington and navigating to the ticket
barrier. All the participants said they would
use the technology again, reporting
that it made their journey less labour
intensive and less mentally challenging.
In this unique project people with sight
loss are being brought together with
researchers, designers and technology
providers to identify current urban
challenges and develop new approaches
to give people a greater level of freedom.
The unique collaboration between Guide
Dogs and Microsoft is ongoing as we
continue to develop the technology
and conduct further user trials.
Our research findings
demonstrate that audiobased technology – that
enables people with sight
loss to make safe, enjoyable
journeys across our towns
and citites – was proven to
work in real-world trials.
Fact
Without sight, our towns and cities can be dangerous and hard to navigate.
15
Getting involved
There are three main ways you can support us:
Fundraise for Guide Dogs
Volunteer for Guide Dogs
Campaign for Guide Dogs
Fundraising
As the guide dog service receives no government
funding, it’s only thanks to our kind supporters that we
can carry on providing freedom and independence
to those living and coping with sight loss in the UK.
There are so many ways to get involved – you can:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sponsor a Puppy.
Play the Guide Dogs raffle or lottery.
Leave a legacy in your Will.
Fundraise in your local community, school or at work.
Take on a Guide Dogs challenge event.
Join a Dogs Unite sponsored dog walk.
Every donation, legacy
and pound raised makes
a difference to people in
the UK living with sight loss.
To support Guide Dogs,
visit www.guidedogs.org.
uk/supportus/fundraising
Fact
Two out of three guide dogs are made possible thanks to gifts in Wills.
16
Gifts in Wills – a gift that’s full of life
Gifts in Wills are vital to Guide Dogs’
future – two out of three guide dogs
would not exist without them. It’s a
powerful way of marking your support for
a cause close to your heart, and means
that we can keep our lifetime promise
– to provide a guide dog owner with
a dog for as long as they need one.
Jayne Seymour shares what inspired her
to leave a gift in her Will to Guide Dogs:
“My support is in memory of my dear
grandfather who passed away when I was
10 years old. He was blinded in a serious
accident in the 1950s and my earliest
memories are of us sitting in his garden. I
would pick flowers and he’d guess what
they were – he was always right!
I have always supported Guide Dogs and felt
your charity was so special to people who
needed your help. To this day, Guide Dogs is
my chosen charity and will continue to be.”
To find out about leaving a gift to
Guide Dogs in your Will,
please call us on 0800 953 0113
or go to www.guidedogs.org.uk/life
“I could never think of life without a
guide dog. I have my independence,
and that’s one thing I will never take
for granted. I have so much to say
thank you for.”
James Gallagher, guide dog owner
17
Getting involved
Fundraise at home, at work or at school
You can fundraise at home, at work or at school and
make a real difference to people living with sight loss –
and, at the same time, have fun socialising with friends or
even making new ones.
To join a fundraising campaign or download our top
fundraising ideas for tips on planning your event,
visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/fun4us
or call 0870 600 2323. Calls to this number cost 1p per
minute plus your telephone company’s access charge.
“I had so much fun hosting an
afternoon tea with friends, knowing
the funds we raised would help
change someone’s life.”
Take part in a challenge event
Sandra Roper, fundraiser for Guide Dogs
Fact
Join a Dogs Unite sponsored dog walk
In 2014, our supporters raised funds by managing more than 4,000 collections.
18
Volunteering
Our volunteers help us to change
lives and reach out to more people
with sight loss. Giving even a little time
can make a huge difference.
We really do value our volunteers – that’s
why we ensure they are well supported and
get the best experience of volunteering for
Guide Dogs. We offer ongoing support from
staff and other volunteers as well as an online
information point to give volunteers the
opportunity to share information and ideas.
You can give your time in so many
different ways. Whatever your skills or
interests we’re sure to have an opportunity
for you to use them. For example:
• Puppy walking – looking after a
puppy during its first year.
• Boarding – looking after dogs in training.
• Providing sighted guiding assistance.
• Driving our people, dogs or equipment.
• Joining your local supporter group.
Volunteer for us:
Visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer
Email [email protected]
Call the Volunteering Office on 0845 371 7771.
Calls to this number cost 3p per minute plus your
telephone company’s access charge.
19
87% of our
volunteers feel
that their sense of
making a useful
contribution has
increased since
volunteering at
Guide Dogs.
Getting involved
Craig’s story
“Even before I became a guide dog owner, I had
realised just how much of a positive difference
the work of Guide Dogs could make in changing
lives for the better. Once I became a guide dog
owner and my life changed so dramatically for
the better, my desire to become involved with the
charity in a volunteer capacity grew stronger.
Taking on various roles in Guide
Dogs has been extremely helpful
in an academic context. A
number of the activities I have
undertaken have helped with
some of my course modules.
I can’t overstate how much I
have enjoyed every activity as
well as the day of training I have
undertaken as a volunteer. It is
truly humbling to be able to play a
part in helping to ensure that the
work of such a vital organisation is able to continue.
If anyone has been moved to donate either money
or their time to Guide Dogs because of something I
have done, then that too makes it all worthwhile.”
Craig, Guide Dogs’ volunteer
Fact
Our 14,000 volunteers give more than 16.7 million hours each year to help people with
sight loss live life on their own terms.
20
Join your local supporter group
We are fortunate in having more than 400
supporter groups across the UK. These thriving
community groups arrange a wide range of
fundraising activities and increase our profile in
their local area. All of them help us to reach out
to an ever-increasing number of people with
sight loss.
Many universities have set up societies to support
their local Guide Dogs community group.
To join your local supporter group,
please visit www.guidedogs.org.
uk/aboutus/local-to-you
If there isn’t a group in your area
or you are interested in setting
up your own fundraising group,
please call 0845 372 7499. Calls to
this number will cost 3p per minute
plus your telephone company’s
access charge.
Tillie’s story
“A representative from Guide Dogs came to Sheffield
University and helped us form a student Guide Dogs
group. Throughout the year we organised cake sales,
social events and collections. At Christmas we organised
a stall and ran a present-wrapping service. We met
amazing dogs and their amazing owners, witnessed firsthand how the charity Guide Dogs helps those with sight
loss and raised money and awareness for the cause.
For me it is important to run this society as a student
because I rely on my independence. To enable
everyone to have the same independence and
the same incredible opportunities is what motivates
me.” Tillie, Sheffield University graduate 2015.
21
Getting involved
Campaigning
We campaign passionately on
issues that affect the freedom and
independence of people with sight loss.
With the help of more than 25,000
campaigners, we lobby and work
with the Government, local authorities
and other organisations.
For example, in our Talking Buses
campaign, we’re asking politicians to
make audio-visual announcements
on new buses compulsory.
Our Streets Ahead campaign aims to make
the UK’s streets accessible for everyone.
Obstacles such as pavement-parked cars,
street clutter and some street designs can
cause potentially dangerous problems for
many people with sight loss on a daily basis.
Help make a difference:
Electric and hybrid cars are increasing in
popularity, which poses a real risk to people
with sight loss who rely on hearing vehicles
to cross the road. We are campaigning for
these vehicles to be heard as well as seen.
We’ve launched a new campaign in
2015 called Access All Areas. We know
that guide dog partnerships allow
people the freedom to go wherever
they wish. Unfortunately, three-quarters
of those we surveyed had been refused
access to somewhere because they had
an assistance dog with them. We are
campaigning to ensure all people with
guide dogs are given their right of access.
“Being a campaigner is a real joy
and helps make the world a lot
safer for people who are visually
impaired.”
www.guidedogs.org.uk/campaigns
Cynthia Easeman, campaigner
@gdcampaigns
www.facebook.com/campaignsatguidedogs
Fact
We now have more than 25,000 campaigners! Join us at www.guidedogs.org.uk/signup
22
Working with us
Making a difference
If you want to work for an organisation
that makes a real difference to the
lives of people living with sight loss, the
charity Guide Dogs may have a great
opportunity for you. We have more than
1,400 staff working in a wide range of roles,
all passionate about playing their part in
helping people with sight loss get around
independently and safely.
With our Central Office near Reading in
Berkshire, and teams throughout the UK, we
offer many varied and rewarding careers.
The skills and abilities we are looking for are
as diverse as the range of jobs we have to
offer. We believe that people are at the
heart of all we do and we use our range of
skills and experience to make the biggest
possible difference to people’s lives.
We actively seek to achieve diversity in our
workforce. We welcome applications from
all sections of the community and strive to
build a workforce which is representative of
the communities we serve.
We encourage applications from people
who have a disability. We will guarantee
to interview all applicants who declare
a disability and who meet the essential
criteria of the job.
Our vacancies and descriptions of the
various roles are listed on our website.
www.guidedogs.org.uk/aboutus/careers
24
“Recruiting and retaining talented staff is critical to Guide
Dogs’ success. It is through their professionalism and
determination that we enable thousands of people with
sight loss to transform their own lives each year.”
Richard Leaman,
Chief Executive
Fact
Only one in three people who are blind or partially sighted (of working age) is employed.
25
How we spend our money
1% of our
income is spent
on governance.
5% of our
income is spent on
campaigning and
raising awareness.
39% of our income
is spent on generating
income, including
trading activities.
1% of our income
is spent on research
and development.
51% of our income
3% of our income
is spent on providing
children’s services.
Figures based on 2014 financial year.
26
is spent on providing
guide dogs and
other adult services.
The difference your money makes
What money can buy
£5
£48 million
It cost Guide Dogs around £48
million to provide the guide dog
service and other adult services
in 2014.
Could support a working guide
dog partnership for one day.
£20
Could pay for one hour’s training
at a Guide Dogs Training School.
£1.4 million
It cost around £1.4 milion
to run our sighted guiding
service My Guide.
£25
Could buy a white harness,
the iconic symbol of a
working guide dog.
£50,000
In 2014, it cost just over £50,000
to provide one guide dog from
birth through to retirement.
This includes the cost of:
• Breeding
• Puppy walking for
the first year
• Early and advanced training
• Training the guide dog
owner with the guide dog
• On-going support throughout
the partnership.
£95
Could buy a Training School
Kit to enable our Guide Dog
Trainers to teach the pups all the
specialist skills they will need to
become a qualified guide dog.
£140
Could buy a Starter Kit for a new
guide dog owner, containing
everything they need to start a
life with their new guide dog.
£400,000
A guide dog owner may have
as many as eight guide dogs in
the course of a lifetime bringing
the total cost to £400,000.
All above costs are approximate.
27
Become a Friend
of Guide Dogs
Join Friends of Guide Dogs for free,
and help us to shape the future of
support for people with sight loss.
It’s open to anyone who has a
connection with sight loss or just
wants to get more involved with
the charity Guide Dogs. You’ll
receive lots of benefits when
joining, as well as opportunities
to give us your feedback through
local events and online groups.
For more information,
please call 0845 372 7499. Calls to this
number cost 3p per minute plus your
telephone company’s access charge.
Or visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/friends
Get in touch:
W: www.guidedogs.org.uk
E: [email protected]
The Guide Dogs for the Blind
Association, Burghfield
Common, Reading, RG7 3YG
This publication is also available in
Braille, large print, audio and text
only formats, and in alternative
languages upon request.
Registered charity in England and Wales (209617)
and in Scotland (SC038979). 8206 10/15